If you’re on a one-day vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey, there are many ways to maximize your time and enjoy the island to the fullest. Ocean City has something for every visitor, whether you’re here for fun in the sun with family or passing through for a relaxed Saturday with a special someone. Whatever your preferences, you’ll need to plan an Ocean City one-day itinerary — with our help, it’ll be a breeze.
A day in Ocean City starts whenever you’re ready to explore. However, you’ll need all the daylight you can get for a jam-packed day of activities. We’ve included an outing for every time slot in our list of must-sees and must-dos for a daycation in OCNJ. Feel free to mix, match and relax as much as you want for a tailored experience befitting your interests.
If you’re driving into Ocean City or waking up in a hotel or guesthouse fresh and early, you’re in for a real treat. The Ocean City shoreline is the ideal location to watch the sunrise, giving you a sprawling ocean view alongside the spectacular oranges, reds and pinks in the sky. Some of the best places to gaze at the rising sun in OCNJ include the Ocean City Boardwalk, Seaspray Beach and the Great Egg Harbor Bay docks.
Day trips to Ocean City should always start with a scrumptious breakfast from one of our many excellent cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Whether you’re already exploring the Boardwalk or find yourself downtown, you’ll be surrounded by delicious smells and friendly servers ready to take your order. There are many diverse breakfast options available in Ocean City, such as:
A lovely day at the beach makes any Ocean City day trip a memorable occasion. With 8 miles of exquisite beachfront, there’s plenty of space for you and your loved ones to relax, play and enjoy the sea. Swim alongside the safety of trained lifeguards in summer, easily access restrooms along the shoreline, use ADA-compliant beach access sites and bring along your bodyboards, surfboards and skimboards for invigorating seaside fun.
Check out 34th Street Beach for a spacious, clean, guarded, family-friendly beach with convenient parking and easy access to the Boardwalk and amenities. Take a stroll to Peck’s Beach at the south end of Ocean City for an exceptional suntanning location with chairs and umbrellas available to rent.
Lunch options are plentiful on the island. From fresh, excellent-quality seafood and American fare to various worldly cuisines like authentic Italian, Hawaiian and Mexican, you’re spoiled for options on and off the Boardwalk. Restaurants, pizzerias, street food kiosks, cafes and takeout joints abound, so you’re covered whether you want to grab a sub on the go or sit down for a nice meal someplace elegant.
After lunch, your day could head two ways — either it’s time to chill out or kickstart your next adventure. Your Ocean City one-day itinerary can accommodate both moods with ease.
If you’re in the mood for some relaxation after a filling meal and some time under the sun, take a trip around the island on one of Ocean City’s many charter boats. Try your hand at fishing, take a leisurely paddle or watch the dolphins and whales while breathing fresh air and listening to the tranquil sounds of the sea. Options include:
If you’re ready for action, hit the water park or try a new activity. The island is famous for its epic array of water sports and attractions in the ocean and on land. For a thrill, try out these exciting water activities:
Once you’ve worked up an appetite sailing the Atlantic Ocean or zooming down a waterslide, it’s time to refuel at one of Ocean City’s many excellent dinner restaurants. Foodies, vegetarians, picky eaters and lovers of down-to-earth comfort food will enjoy what our little island offers, including steakhouses and grills, pizza, burgers and fries, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, freshly caught seafood and kid-friendly staples.
Absolutely buzzing with amusements, games, rides and other fun-filled attractions, Ocean City’s iconic 2.5-mile-long Boardwalk is the place to be as evening looms. Our island is known as America’s Greatest Family Resort for the cornucopia of excitement it offers both kids and adults. Along the Boardwalk, you can expect:
The Boardwalk also offers several pitstops for dessert, including artisanal and whimsical candy stores, ice cream parlors and more delicious treats.
The perfect way to wind down your one day on Ocean City island is by greeting the sun as it sets for the evening. Take a stroll down the fishing pier that juts into the sea, giving you gorgeous panoramic views of the sky. Hop onto the Ferris wheel for a spectacular perspective of the whole island and the sinking sun, or head over to Corson’s Inlet State Park to watch the sunset, soaring wetland birds and blooming flora.
Now that you know how to spend one day in OCNJ to the fullest, come on down and make this dream itinerary a reality with your loved ones. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight at one of our premium hotels or bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll adore Ocean City’s amenities, activities and attractions.
For more information about Ocean City, download our free visitor’s guide to start booking your various day-trip activities today.
